Choose Joyනියැදිය

DAY 16 – JOY FOR ALL

Reflection: Shepherds living in the fields near Bethlehem are the first to be told of Jesus’ birth. Most likely* they were of a lower class, often attracting the anger of religious leaders because their work made it hard to fulfil religious duties.

They are working through the night, keeping an eye on their flocks. They are terrified when the angel appears – they have reason to feel outside God’s purposes. Perhaps like a shepherd boy named David who lived in these same hills before becoming king.

Imagine how they felt when the angel explains – no need to be afraid, it’s good news, it will bring great joy, it’s about the coming of the Saviour-Messiah-Lord, he’s been born today to you! No longer on the outer, but integral to the story.

That’s why it’s good news of great joy – for you and me. Whatever you feel, God sees us as integral to the story of salvation he’s writing across history. He doesn’t want to do it without us, and seriously, we don’t want to miss it. No wonder the shepherds quickly went into town to see Jesus, and then just as quickly, began telling others.

Choose joy: Put aside your fear and rejection, and let God write you into the story of his Son Jesus. There lives great joy!

* Some scholars believe these shepherds may have worked at Midgal Eder southeast of Bethlehem, raising herds for temple sacrifice. This would mean they were ritually clean and 'above' more common shepherds. But we don’t really know.